Private Equity: A New Way In

By

Liam Pleven

April 12, 2013 7:22 p.m. ET

Carlyle Group is opening its doors to a broader swath of wealthy Americans. Should you walk in?

The private-equity giant is letting affluent investors put as little as $50,000 into its deal-making funds. Previously, the ticket for entry at Carlyle had been at least $5 million to $20 million—putting the option out of reach even for many well-off...